Carthage brothers take over Iggy's Diner

Iggy's Diner will re-open on Monday, Oct. 1 under new ownership and new management.

Rebecca Haines

Iggy's Diner will re-open on Monday, Oct. 1 under new ownership and new management.

Last week, Calvin and Marvin Heisten, long-time Carthaginians, took over ownership of Iggy's Diner, just east of the roundabout. Misty Dalton is now the manager, who is a familiar face to the diner.

“We have an entirely new staff,” said Calvin.

The Heisten's history with the diner goes back many years.

“We came here a lot and even helped,” Marvin said, “so we are very familiar with the diner and always had a compassion for it. And we will carry that on in the way we manage. We hope to bring a smile to the customers' faces and bring back the good 'ole Iggy's that they knew and loved – and more.”

Originally starting as Gooseberry's Diner in 1999, the establishment changed hands various times throughout the years. The Iggy's name was posted approximately 10 years ago.

On Thursday, the new Iggy's staff and owners were finishing up a “massive” cleaning, as the brothers phrased it. On the walls of the diner, visitors will see Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and other 1950s icons and legends – fulfilling a true diner's atmosphere and charm.

Iggy's Diner serves lunch and dinner, and will continue the same menu items as before – the Heisten brothers said they hope to expand the selection a bit with the help of head chef Ryan Terry. The staff has five cooks with 10 waiters and waitresses, some of which were part of the original crew at Iggy's. The Heisten brothers expressed enthusiasm that the community will be excited to see Dalton, and others back at the diner.

“She's wonderful,” Calvin said of Dalton. “She's been here years and knows what she's doing.”